Environment

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 26, 2026

H 963: An Act further defining an environmental justice population

By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 963) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to further defining an environmental justice population. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDefining environmental justice populations enables targeted protections for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, advancing environmental equity and regulatory implementation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Environmental Justice

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1254: An Act relative to the environmental protection of Joint Base Cape Cod

This bill amends Massachusetts Chapter 47 to clarify environmental oversight for Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC), a 22,000-acre military site in Barnstable County. It updates definitions of "Environmental performance standards" (based on a 2001 report) and "JBCC" to reflect its military use and land ownership history. Key provisions create two advisory councils: a community council with town, military, tribal, and water supply representatives, and a science council of experts to advise on water and habitat protection. The bill also updates department names (e.g., "department of fish and game" replacing older terms) and requires coordination between environmental agencies to monitor military activities' impacts. These changes streamline oversight without altering the base's military operations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates advisory councils for environmental oversight and updates standards to protect water resources at military site, strengthening regulatory clarity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2037: An Act to protect Massachusetts pollinators

This bill restricts the distribution and use of neonicotinoid pesticides (a class of chemicals harmful to bees and other pollinators) in Massachusetts. It requires that only certified applicators can distribute or apply these pesticides, mandates that applicators provide property owners with specific warnings about risks to bees and ecosystems before application, and excludes certain products like pet care items from these rules. Additionally, the bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to replace non-native grasses around solar installations with native flowering plants to support pollinators. These changes directly affect pesticide applicators, property owners, and state agencies managing public lands.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestricts neonicotinoid pesticides harming pollinators, mandates ecosystem warnings, and strengthens environmental protections for bees per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Lands

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2066: An Act limiting the eligibility of woody biomass as an alternative energy supply

HD 2066 removes woody biomass from the definition of "alternative energy supply" for intermediate or large power generation facilities under Massachusetts law. This means new or expanded biomass power plants using wood-based fuel can no longer qualify for alternative energy incentives or requirements. The bill specifically exempts existing biomass facilities already certified as alternative energy units by the Department of Energy Resources as of January 1, 2023. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, altering how biomass energy is classified for regulatory and incentive purposes.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill removes woody biomass from 'alternative energy supply' definition, restricting new renewable biomass projects from incentives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill removes woody biomass from alternative energy incentives, restricting a source linked to deforestation and emissions, aligning with environmental protection goals.90% confidence

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2152: An Act instructing the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game to study the feasibility of repurposing the former Moon Island Sewage Treatment Plant for the purposes of fish and shellfish farms

This bill directs Massachusetts' Department of Fish & Game to study whether the former Moon Island Sewage Treatment Plant in Boston Harbor could be repurposed for fish and shellfish farming. The study would examine using the site's large granite tanks (50 million gallons capacity) to improve water quality in Boston Harbor and Quincy Bay, support marine life like crabs and fish, and provide educational opportunities for schools. The department must complete the study and share findings with Boston and Quincy officials, conservation commissions, and state legislators by December 15, 2026. The bill does not create the farms but evaluates their feasibility.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs study to repurpose sewage plant for fish farming to improve harbor water quality and support marine life, aligning with environmental protection goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2578: An Act relative to the clean heat standard

This bill establishes Massachusetts' Clean Heat Standard, requiring natural gas utilities and other heating fuel sellers (like oil or propane providers) to reduce emissions from the state's heating sector. Obligated parties must retire "clean heat credits" earned from qualifying energy-efficient upgrades (e.g., heat pumps or insulation) to meet annual targets, with 20% of required credits specifically sourced from low-income households and 20% from moderate-income households. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will oversee the credit system, track compliance, and ensure equity by prioritizing access for households with high energy costs. The program aims to align with state climate goals while mandating that utilities directly support vulnerable communities through clean heating solutions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEstablishes Clean Heat Standard requiring emissions reductions via clean heat credits from efficiency upgrades (heat pumps, insulation), targeting low/moderate-income households for renewable energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates emissions reduction in heating sector via clean heat credits for energy-efficient upgrades (e.g., heat pumps), requiring 20% low/moderate-income credits. Directly advances environmental protection through regulatory standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Oil & Gas

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 481: An Act re-establishing the Clean Environment Fund

This bill re-establishes the Clean Environment Fund to support waste reduction and environmental initiatives. It directs 40% of revenue from abandoned beverage container deposits (under Section 323D) into the fund, which must use at least 60% annually for state/municipal recycling, composting, and waste reduction programs - including PAYT systems, school composting, and litter cleanup. Remaining funds support LEED-compliant improvements to state parks and forests. The fund is exempt from fiscal year rollover, and the Secretary of Energy and Environment must report annually on fund sources and expenditures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects 40% of beverage container deposit revenue to fund environmental programs, advancing fiscal allocation for public services per bill's funding requirements.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill re-establishes fund directing 40% of beverage deposit revenue to environmental programs, requiring 60% for waste reduction/recycling initiatives and LEED park improvements, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3507: An Act to create the buy clean Massachusetts program

HD 3507 creates Massachusetts' "Buy Clean" program requiring contractors on large construction projects to provide environmental impact data for specific building materials. It applies to projects over 50,000 square feet, major renovations, or transportation infrastructure costing over $3 million, affecting contractors working on state-funded construction. Starting July 2027, contractors must submit environmental product declarations (showing carbon emissions) and health declarations for covered materials like concrete, steel, and engineered wood before project completion. The law includes provisions for small businesses to receive financial assistance to offset costs of creating required environmental reports. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction materials by making environmental data mandatory for state procurement.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires carbon emissions data for building materials, promoting lower-carbon construction that reduces fossil fuel reliance and supports clean energy infrastructure goals.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates carbon emissions reporting for construction materials, advancing climate goals through transparency and reducing project emissions.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationApplies to transportation infrastructure projects, requiring environmental data to promote sustainability in transit construction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Recycling

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2706: An Act authorizing the establishment of old growth forest reserves

This bill establishes a process for protecting old growth forests on state-owned land by creating designated "old growth forest reserves." It defines old growth forests as large (at least 5 acres), undisturbed areas with trees over 50% of their species' lifespan, requiring surrounding buffer zones to shield them from human activity. The law prohibits new development, timber harvesting, and physical-impact recreation within reserves, while allowing existing uses and scientific research. Designation requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to review proposals, hold public hearings, and consider ecological and community values before approval.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates protected reserves banning development/timber harvesting to conserve old growth forests, directly advancing environmental conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2279: An Act to protect the public health, safety and welfare including but not limited to the drinking water supply in Plymouth Carver Sole Source Aquifer, designated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 1990

HD 2279 imposes a one-year ban on commercial extraction of minerals, sand, and gravel in Plymouth and Bristol Counties, including land zoned for agriculture. This directly affects businesses and landowners engaged in such extraction activities. The bill aims to protect the federally designated Plymouth Carver Sole Source Aquifer (designated under the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1990) by preventing potential contamination to the region's drinking water supply. The moratorium is a direct measure to safeguard public health and water safety without altering existing land use regulations beyond the extraction prohibition.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill bans mineral extraction to prevent aquifer contamination, directly protecting federally designated drinking water source under Safe Drinking Water Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

Track